Top Tips For Choosing The Perfect Inflatable Water Slide For Your ...

Author: Evelyn y

Jun. 05, 2025

Top Tips For Choosing The Perfect Inflatable Water Slide For Your ...

“Nothing says fun in the sun like a thrilling inflatable water slide – the ultimate way to keep everyone entertained and cool at your event!” 

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Jolly Jumps

There’s nothing quite like an inflatable water slide to crank up the fun at your next event. Whether it’s a backyard birthday bash, a school fundraiser, or a summer community festival, these slides bring an instant wow factor. They’re more than just a piece of entertainment—they’re the kind of thing that gets everyone talking (and queuing for another go!).

Perfect for warm-weather celebrations, water slides are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Kids love the thrill of zooming down into a splashy landing, and parents love how it keeps everyone happily occupied. But it’s not just for the little ones—plenty of designs are big enough to keep older kids (and the young at heart) entertained too.

Why Choose an Water Slide Jumping Castle?

When it comes to bringing energy and excitement to your event, a water slide ticks all the boxes. It’s not just entertainment—it’s a full-on experience! Kids and adults alike are drawn to the thrill of racing down the slide and cooling off with a splash. The laughter, squeals of delight, and the constant buzz of activity make it an instant hit at any gathering.

Aside from keeping everyone entertained, slides encourage physical activity in a way that feels effortless. Kids burn off energy climbing and sliding, while adults might just find their inner child sneaking a turn too. It’s the perfect way to get everyone involved and keep the fun going.

The best part? There’s a water slide for every event. From small backyard gatherings to large school carnivals, you’ll find a variety of designs, sizes, and themes to suit your needs. Whether you’re going tropical, classic, or bold, Jolly Jumps has you covered. Make your event unforgettable with one of their amazing options!

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Perfect Slip and Slide

Picking the right inflatable water slide can make or break the fun at your event, so it’s worth taking a little time to select wisely. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

1. Size of Your Space
Before you get your heart set on a towering slide, grab a tape measure and scope out your available space. Water slides come in all shapes and sizes, and knowing your dimensions ensures you’ll have room to safely set up the inflatable and still leave space for guests to move around comfortably.

2. Age and Number of Participants
Are you catering to tiny tots, adventurous teens, or a mix of both? Smaller slides are perfect for little ones, while larger slides bring the thrills for older kids and adults. Think about how many people will use the slide at once—larger groups may need a bigger option to keep the line moving.

3. Theme and Style
From tropical palm trees to bright rainbow arches, the right water slide can tie your event theme together beautifully. Whether you’re planning a summer luau or a casual party, there’s a design to suit the vibe.

4. Budget
With options ranging from basic to show-stopping, there’s a slide for every budget. Consider what matters most—size, theme, or wow factor—and find one that gives you the best bang for your buck.

Comparison Table:

Our Top Water Slides:

How to Safely Set Up the Castle on Different Surfaces Outdoors

Setting up an inflatable water slide outdoors might seem straightforward, but safety always comes first! The right setup ensures everyone enjoys the fun without unnecessary risks. Here’s how to handle different surfaces like a pro:

1. Flat Grass Areas
Grass is a fantastic base for inflatable water slides. Start by making sure the ground is level to prevent tilting or uneven weight distribution. Use sturdy stakes to anchor the slide securely, but avoid placing them near sprinklers or water lines. A quick sweep of the area for rocks, sticks, or other hazards ensures the slide stays safe for all users.

2. Concrete or Asphalt
Hard surfaces require extra care to protect the slide and keep it stable. Lay down thick, protective mats beneath the inflatable to prevent wear and tear. Sandbags are your go-to for securing the slide on these surfaces, providing the stability stakes can’t.

3. Indoor Venues
Indoor setups need careful planning. Always check the ceiling height to ensure the inflatable fits comfortably. Use non-slip mats around the base to minimise the risk of slips from water splashing onto smooth floors.

For more detailed safety tips, refer to the guidelines from Safe Work Australia’s Amusement Devices: Information Sheet on Inflatable Devices. 

Not to worry, though—Jolly Jumps takes care of all the setup for you, ensuring every slide is installed safely and complies with Australian safety standards.

Maintenance and Safety Tips During Waterslide Use

Keeping everyone safe and the fun flowing is as important as picking the perfect inflatable. Once the water slide is set up, a few simple precautions can help ensure everything runs smoothly:

1. Check the Water Flow Regularly
Make sure water is evenly distributed across the slide to avoid any dry spots. Dry patches can cause friction burns, and nobody wants that! If you notice the flow is uneven, adjust the hose or nozzles to keep everything slippery and safe.

2. Supervise Kids at All Times
Assign a dedicated adult to keep an eye on the slide. Set clear rules, like waiting your turn, sliding feet first, and no roughhousing. A little supervision goes a long way to keeping everyone safe and happy.

3. Keep Blowers and Cords Away from Water
Water and electricity don’t mix! Ensure the blower and cords are placed far from the water slide and its splash zone. Cover cords where possible to prevent accidental trips.

Why Choose Jolly Jumps for Your Inflatable Water Slide?

When it comes to inflatables, Jolly Jumps is your go-to choice for quality, safety, and a whole lot of fun. Their wide range of water slides caters to every event, whether it’s a cosy backyard party or a bustling community festival. From colourful designs to thrilling sizes, there’s something to suit every theme and crowd.

Safety is a top priority at Jolly Jumps. All their inflatables meet strict Australian safety standards, so you can rest easy knowing you’re getting equipment that’s built to keep everyone safe. Plus, with $20 million in public liability insurance and trained staff managing the setup, you know you’re in good hands.

Whether you’re after a small slide for toddlers or a giant splash zone for all ages, Jolly Jumps has the perfect option for your event. 

From tropical escapes to thrilling splashes, we have the perfect slide for your event!

Inflatable water slides are the perfect way to add excitement, laughter, and lasting memories to any event. From choosing the right size and style to ensuring safe setup and use, these tips will help you make the best choice for your celebration. Whether it’s a school carnival, home based birthday party, or summer festival, there’s a slide that’s just right for you.

When it comes to fun and safety, Jolly Jumps has you covered. With a wide range of options, strict adherence to Australian safety standards, and expert setup services, they make organising your event effortless.

Ready to make a splash?

Choosing the right Inflatable for your PARTY! - A&E Air Jumpers

Choosing the Right Inflatable for your PARTY!

It is so stressful yet fun and exciting to plan your party. It can be very time consuming as well! See our How to plan a Perfect Party for ideas to consider when planning a party. Some things to consider when selecting an Inflatable Unit that will make you party even more perfect is theme. Do you have a theme for the party? Do you want a theme? What is your child’s favorite color? What is your child’s favorite charter?

The whole reason you are considering an Inflatable is to keep the kids entertained. It is very important when selecting a unit that it fits into your budget, available space, and is age appropriate for the children that will be attending your party.

But how to decide what is the right one for you – bounce house, slide, obstacle course or what?

Let us try to help you!

We have a very large selection and that can make it very overwhelming to choose. Feel free to give our trained staff at call at 916-688- and we would be glad to help you in your selection.

There are a few things you should consider:

How many kids are you expecting at the party?

It is important to consider how many children are coming to the party. This will also depend on what kind of event you are having as well. We have such a large selection of inflatable’s we have something for every age group from toddlers to teenagers even adults can have fun on many of our inflatable’s.

A back yard birthday usually would have between 10-20 kids. A school or church event can have 100-200 kids. Churches and schools have to take into consideration that this is a public event and will want to make sure that you choose units that will meet all age groups of children participating.

If you are having 10 or 15 kids at your party you can consider picking a bounce house or combo with slide.

A standard Commercial Bounce House is 13’x13’ and most Combo Unit is a 13’x13’ jumping area with a slide attached. Most Bounce Houses and Combo Units can accommodate up to 7 at a time (keeping in mind they are all the same age and physical ability). Combo unit can accommodate more kids simply because it separates the kids doing different actives (ie. Sliding, getting back in, climbing up the stairs, etc). Even if you have more kids at the party, have to keep in mind that you are supposed to separate the little ones from the older ones.

If you have a festival or a block party, where you expect to have a lot of kids you may consider renting a Inflatable Slide or an Obstacle Course. A bounce house can fit only a certain amount of children and leads to long waiting time and lines. Bounce house’s typically only have 1 entrance and exit making it more difficult to get the kids in and out of the unit in a timely manner.

An inflatable slide or an obstacle course involves one or two participants going through the inflatable for short amount of time keeping the line moving quickly.

For more information, please visit .

What is the average age of the kids?

Having little kids you shouldn’t rent a tall dry or water slide that might scare them. Little kids love to jump, so to rent a bounce house or Combo Unit with a smaller slide is your best option. If you are still wanting to get a slide for little one we recommend getting the 14’ slide. It is a pretty good size slide and teenagers still have fun on it but it is better for little ones because the height is not that scary to them.

If you want to rent an inflatable slide for kids over 12 years old you should go with 15’ and taller units. 12’ inflatable slide most likely won’t keep their attention for long.

Are you looking to entertain only the kids or the parents as well?

All of our inflatable’s are designed to be used from kids. If you would like to entertain the adults as well you can get an obstacle course, water slide, dry slide, or any of our Interactive Sports and games such, as soccer dart, Laser Tag, Hoop shoot, Human Foosball, Human Pool, Human Bowling, Tag Arena, Crazy Cones and the list goes on. The perfect fit for high school age children or adults is our 60’ obstacle course that can be used wet or dry. We also have a wide variety of Extreme Rides that are great for entertaining parents. Check out our Mechanical Bull, Rock wall, Coconut Tree, Meltdown, Bungee Jump, Spider Mountain and so much more.

How much space you have?

Is your yard big or small? How much set up area is required for setting up your inflatable? Some of our inflatables can require up to 70’x20’ set up area like our 60’ obstacle course. Having a small yard, you might have to choose renting 11’x11’ or 13’x13 jump house.

First, I would decide where you want the inflatable and then measure the size so you can pick a unit that will fit where you want it. Every Unit has the dimension listed and just keep in mind that Inflatable’s are tall. You must consider what’s in the air above the area you want the unit set up at.

What is your budget?

Slides and obstacle courses are great fun, but are costly, too. Renting a water slide is the best thing you can do, if you are not worried about the cost. Working on a tight budget, you will need to go with a standard bounce house.

What is a Bounce House ?

A bounce house, also known as an inflatable castle, moonwalk, or inflatable jumper, is an inflatable structure typically designed for children to play and bounce on. It is made of durable materials like PVC or nylon and is inflated using an electric blower.

The structure of a bounce house consists of inflated walls and a floor that create a contained area for jumping and playing. The walls are typically high and have safety netting or transparent windows to allow for ventilation and supervision. Some bounce houses may also have additional features like slides, obstacles, or interactive elements to enhance the play experience.

Bounce houses come in various sizes, shapes, and themes to cater to different preferences and age groups. They can be found in different themes such as princess castles, pirate ships, sports arenas, and more. Some larger bounce houses can accommodate multiple children at once, allowing for group play and interaction.

Safety is an important aspect when using a bounce house. They should be set up on a flat, level surface away from any sharp objects or hazards. Proper adult supervision is necessary to ensure that children play safely and follow any rules or guidelines provided by the rental company or manufacturer.

Overall, bounce houses provide a fun and engaging activity for children, offering them an opportunity to jump, bounce, and play in a controlled and supervised environment.

Are Bounce Houses good for a Kids Birthday Party ?

Yes, bounce houses can be a great addition to a birthday party, especially for children. Bounce houses provide a fun and interactive activity that kids often enjoy. They offer an opportunity for children to jump, bounce, and play in a safe and supervised environment.

Here are a few reasons why bounce houses can be a good choice for a birthday party:

  1. Entertainment: Bounce houses are entertaining and can keep children engaged for hours. They provide a source of active play and can help keep kids occupied and having fun throughout the party.

  2. Physical activity: Bounce houses encourage physical activity, which is important for children's health and development. Jumping and bouncing in a bounce house can help kids burn off energy and stay active.

  3. Social interaction: Bounce houses provide a space for children to interact and play together. It can promote socialization and teamwork as kids take turns, play games, and bounce together.

  4. Age-appropriate: Bounce houses come in various sizes and designs, making them suitable for different age groups. You can choose one that fits the age range of the birthday party attendees, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

  5. Safe environment: When properly set up and supervised, bounce houses can be a safe activity for children. It's important to follow all safety guidelines, such as limiting the number of children inside the bounce house at a time and having adult supervision.

What do I get when I rent a Bounce House from A&E Air Jumper Party Rentals?

When you rent a bounce house from A&E Air Jumpers it includes the following items and services:

Bounce house rentals are typically enjoyed by children between the ages of 3 and 12, although the specific age range may vary depending on the size and design of the bounce house. Here are some general guidelines:

Why should I get a giant water slide rental Sacramento and not a bounce house ?

Bounce House rentals are a great choice but giant inflatable slide rentals are even better. Why, you might ask? Giant slide rentals organize the chaos a little bit more. Giant slide rentals have 1 goal, 1 activity sliding. Bounce house rentals have 1 activity to just jumping but there is no organizing a bounce house where a slide a line can be formed and the kids climb up and slide down making the wait time for a giant slide rental much shorter. Giant slide rentals are great for large amount of children. Some children just love to slide. Any giant slide rental is just what you need to give the kids a fun and entertaining way to get out all their energy and fill hours of time with FUN!

Are Water Slides better then Bounce House Rentals ?

Ah, water slides versus bounce houses! Well, let me break it down for you in simple, fun words.

Imagine yourself on a hot summer day, looking for an exciting way to cool off and have a blast. That's where a water slide comes in! Water slides are like thrilling aquatic adventures. You climb up to the top, feel the anticipation building, and then whoosh! You slide down at lightning speed, the refreshing water splashing all around you. It's a thrilling rush that cools you down while giving you a sense of exhilaration.

On the other hand, bounce houses are like giant inflatable castles or play areas. They're bouncy, squishy, and loads of fun too! You can jump and bounce around, feeling weightless and giggling with delight. It's like having your own mini trampoline park. Bounce houses are perfect for energetic jumping, bouncing, and playing games with friends.

Now, why might a water slide be better? Well, imagine how awesome it feels to zoom down a slippery slide with water spraying all over you. It adds an extra element of excitement and adventure. Plus, the water keeps you cool, especially on hot days. It's like having a mini water park in your own backyard!

Bounce houses are fantastic too, but they don't have the same watery thrill as water slides. They're great for jumping and bouncing, but they might not provide the same refreshing experience on a scorching day.

Ultimately, both water slides and bounce houses have their own unique charms. It all depends on what you're in the mood for. If you want a thrilling aquatic adventure and a cool splash, go for the water slide. If you're looking for bouncy fun and energetic jumping, the bounce house is your go-to.

So, choose the one that suits your mood and get ready for some amazing, laughter-filled playtime!

To sum up the benefits of a Water Slide are :

Water slides are often considered better than bounce house rentals for several reasons:

  1. Cooling Effect: Water slides provide a refreshing and cooling experience, especially during hot summer months. They allow participants to slide down and splash into a pool of water, which can be a welcome relief from the heat. Bounce houses, on the other hand, do not offer the same level of cooling, and jumping around in them can sometimes be tiring and sweat-inducing.

  2. Increased Fun Factor: Water slides offer an additional element of excitement and thrill compared to bounce houses. Sliding down a slippery slope and splashing into water adds an extra level of enjoyment for participants of all ages. The sensation of speed and the anticipation of the splashdown can make water slides more engaging and entertaining.

  3. Variety of Activities: Water slides often come in different sizes, shapes, and designs, offering a wide range of options to suit different preferences and age groups. Some water slides may have twists and turns, while others may have multiple lanes for racing. This variety of activities enhances the overall experience and keeps participants entertained for longer periods.

  4. Active Play and Exercise: Water slides provide a form of active play that involves climbing, sliding, and swimming. This physical activity can be beneficial for both children and adults, promoting exercise, coordination, and overall fitness. Bounce houses, while they offer some physical activity through jumping, may not provide the same level of full-body engagement as water slides.

  5. Unique Social Experience: Water slides can be enjoyed by multiple participants simultaneously, allowing friends and family members to slide together, race each other, or share the excitement of the splashdown. This shared experience fosters social interaction, friendly competition, and creates lasting memories. Bounce houses, while they can accommodate multiple jumpers, do not offer the same level of interactive and communal play.

It's worth noting that the preference between water slides and bounce houses may vary depending on personal preferences, event type, and the age group of participants. Some individuals may prefer the simplicity and versatility of bounce houses, while others may find the added water element of water slides to be more enjoyable. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the specific needs and desires of the individuals or event organizers.

A & E Air Jumpers has a large selection of Water Slides to choose from. Our 14' Water slide is great for kids 3-10 years old. Kids 10-12 years old we recommended 16' slides - 20' slide. For Teenagers 13 and older all the way to adults we recommend 20' slides and larger. A& E Air Jumpers also has a large selection of bounce houses for rent. Bounce Houses are a great choice for kids 0-8 years old.

For more giant water slide inflatableinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Remember, whatever you choose you cannot go wrong with an inflatable. If it is a water slide, combo bouncer or a bounce house, moonwalk is not what matters. Both, kids and parents will appreciate you renting an inflatable for your party, AND YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID!

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